If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Lafayette, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently includes a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?
At AC Sales, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at (337) 234-2345. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at (337) 234-2345 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at AC Sales are ready to help. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.
